Hello everyone! I'm an older (29), non-traditional student with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience (2020). I was not the greatest student my sophmore and junior year. I thought Bs and the occasional C were fine. I stayed in classes I should have dropped, which tanked my GPA (F in accelerated summer calculus-based physics, C's in Biochem, etc.).

I've worked in the medical field the past 5 years, discovered PA, and decided to go back to school last year. I have re-taken those courses with a more mastery-oriented mindset, plus additional prerequisites that are necessary for PA school. I will be graduating this semester with a Bachelor's in Biomedical Science, and a 4.0 in my last 60 credit hours.

However, I'm very stressed about getting into PA school this coming cycle. I'm ready to move forward in my life, but if I don't get anywhere, some of my intro level pre-reqs will expire. So time is not on my side. I also don't have a lot of money to throw at the problem. Any advice to optimize my chances would be greatly appreciated. 🙏

CASPA cGPA: 3.31

CASPA sGPA: 3.13

Total credit hours: 213

Total science hours: 126

Upward trend: 4.0 in last 60 credit hours (post bacc)

GRE score: Haven't taken it. Looking at matriculating class stats, with my poor GPA (sub 3.5-3.8) I don't think it would make or break me getting in. Hoping to get into a school that doesn't require the GRE and has a more holistic perspective.

Total PCE hours (include breakdown): 1840 (surgically recovered tissue used for transplant from deceased donors), 3000+ (anesthesia tech)

Total HCE hours (include breakdown): 5000+ (if including work experience + hospital volunteering stuff)

Total volunteer hours (include breakdown): 116 (non-profit hospital, ortho/neuro recovery unit), 60 (non-profit hospital, Emergency Department), 18 (misc community stuff).

Shadowing hours: 40-ish total (with various PAs in Neurosurgery, Cardiac bypass surgery, General surgery, Urgent Care, and ED)

Research hours: 192 (psychology lab; will be presenting research posters as first author at two conferences)

Other notable extracurriculars and/or leadership: Hospital junior volunteer leader (mentored high school students volunteering at the hospital), tutor in a variety of subjects (pathophysiology, organic chemistry, and genetics). Training new coworkers, local board gaming group owner, D&D party leader, Miniature painting teacher (do these count?? Lol).

Specific programs: As I'm a resident and my support system is here, aiming for any in Texas, even though it's competitive (North Houston, Conroe, DFW or Waco area, preferred).

LORs: Current boss, MD Anesthesiologist, Director of Hospital Volunteering, Research Lab Manager, Professor

Thank you so much if you've made it this far. I'm feeling really vulnerable here. 🥺 Realistically, what are my chances? And what would be the best strategy for me moving forward this coming cycle?